I knew nothing of Charlie Kirk when he became another victim of senseless American political violence. The announcement that President Donald Trump would award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom because he was “great” and “legendary” did increase my curiosity. And now The Madera Tribune has published opinion pieces that describe Kirk in positive, but conclusive terms, such as conservative, Christian, and family man.
So, who was Charlie Kirk? I did some research. He certainly talked about family, faith, and political views consistent with those of Trump supporters. But I still don’t know who he was. Not really.
I suppose that’s because my entire adult life has been focused on objective facts, laws as written and enforced, and the conflicting details of history. The Charlie Kirk that I found online threw out conclusions without factual detail. What he called debates included one-liner putdowns that seemed designed to limit conversations.